I look at the new Beneteau's and I am left thinking that a powerboat might be nice...

I am simply amazed at the boats being built today. Way, way too big to interest me and some of the design features! It was a stretch for Dorsey and me to consider our Sabre when we bought her 10 years ago. It was so modern! What made that adjustment so much easier for us was actually sailing on one. It was amazing! Coming from a full keel centerboard that would only sail to weather at about 45 degrees apparent to a spade rudder and fin keel hull that easily sails inside of 30 degrees was great fun. Still "enlightened" boaters that we are, we have a tough time with many of todays current offerings... Too, so many sail boat manufacturers are simply gone now.

Your comments on visibility do strike a chord though. We struggle with our canvass at times. It is designed to protect us from both sun and wind and in all fairness it can be tough to see the bow at times, especially for Dorsey in her 5' tall body. We can (and do) roll up or remove the front windows of the dodger as situations demand for better visibility though. It all works in the end.